{"id":2849,"date":"2021-06-14T09:57:12","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T09:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suimy.me\/?p=2849"},"modified":"2024-11-20T17:09:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T17:09:22","slug":"software-development-lifecycle-the-definitive-guide-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/suimy.me\/index.php\/2021\/06\/14\/software-development-lifecycle-the-definitive-guide-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Software Development Lifecycle: The Definitive Guide [FREE]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Software development lifecycle may sound scary or confusing, but in fact, it\u2019s a simple method of delivering software applications. Planning to\u00a0start a software development project<\/a>? Then this guide is here to map out your journey towards a successful, working app!<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the term \u201csoftware development lifecycle\u201d and go through its usual stages. We\u2019ll also cover different software development life cycle models so you can get a full overview of the topic.<\/p>\n

<\/span>What Is Software Development Lifecycle?<\/h2>\n

Software development lifecycle, otherwise known as SDLC for short, is a term used by software houses to name a methodology of delivering high-quality, working software that meets the client\u2019s requirements, deadlines, and budget. Coined in the 1950s and the 1960s, it has become a valuable tool used for thousands of applications for different industries and purposes (follow\u00a0Techopedia<\/a>\u00a0if you want to learn more about the history of SDLC). Currently, its precise standards are covered within the ISO\/IEC 12207 international norm defining the tasks required to develop software and maintain it.<\/p>\n

A standard development cycle is divided into a couple of phases (more on that below) that define the type of tasks to get done inside them. Each task inside a project life cycle is then assigned and measured upon completion to ensure high-quality software.<\/p>\n

Still confused? Think of the software development lifecycle as\u00a0a roadmap with clear guidelines that take you all the way through the process of software engineering<\/strong>, from planning to maintenance. It\u2019s also there to improve the efficiency of the development team and achieve the ultimate goal of meeting the client\u2019s needs while staying within the budget and deadline.<\/p>\n

<\/span>What Are The Stages of Software Development Lifecycle?<\/h2>\n

The software development process is usually divided into\u00a0six to eight steps<\/strong>. Why does that number vary? Depending on the project\u2019s scope and deadline, some project managers may combine steps or omit them altogether. However, this act doesn\u2019t (or shouldn\u2019t) influence the overall quality of the product in any way, so if you hear that your development team wants to do six phases instead of seven, don\u2019t freak out.<\/p>\n

Depending on the SDLC model you use, these stages may be repeated as needed. An iterative model (described later in this article), for example, works in sprint-based iterations that go back and forth between the phases multiple times to deliver better results.<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n
\n \"SoftwareDevelopmentLifecycle_stages-1536x1202\"<\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Let\u2019s review the traditional distinct work phases of the entire SDLC process.<\/p>\n

<\/span>1. Planning & Analysis Phase<\/h3>\n

Careful planning and requirement analysis are crucial in delivering great software. At this stage, the customer works together with the software house team to create\u00a0a detailed scope of the project and calculate the time and resources<\/strong>\u00a0needed.<\/p>\n

A mutual understanding of the product\u2019s features, benchmarks, and goals can be achieved in a number of ways, including workshops, market surveys, expert consultations, stakeholders\u2019 feedback, and more. At this moment, other guidelines are planned as well, such as quality assurance requirements, risk identification, technical scope, production environment, and others.<\/p>\n

The result? The team gets a first insight into their future work, while the customer has a clear view of the product\u2019s scope and expected outcomes. Most models use this stage as a starting point and later adjust the tasks to current needs. Agile methodologies have mastered this process, dividing the development time into short increments that involve a specific scope of work established right before the start.<\/p>\n

<\/span>2. Design & Prototyping Phase<\/h3>\n

The design phase involves much more than just product designers\u2019 jobs. In software development, it\u2019s equally important to create the visual aspect of the end product (the \u2018traditional\u2019 perception of design) and the overall system architecture behind it.<\/p>\n

Based on the requirements gathered in the previous stage, the software house team now works on\u00a0designing the product\u2019s structure<\/a>, including the communication between the elements, data flow, and optional third-party modules. The architecture is created strictly in line with the software requirement specification as well as the deadline and budget constraints determined earlier.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the product design team works on wireframes that act as a reference point for the development team and the client. Some SDLC methodologies use rapid prototyping to achieve optimal results that can later be iterated (more on this later). Wireframes and prototypes\u00a0help the development teams meet customer expectations and move through development faster<\/strong>. They\u2019re a great way of getting early feedback and delivering an MVP version of the future product. Later on, the MVP may be shaped and changed according to new requirements and details.<\/p>\n

<\/span>3. Software Development Phase<\/h3>\n

Most likely the longest part of the SDLC process, the software development stage requires the most involvement from the development teams and results in a working product including all the pre-agreed features.<\/p>\n

The actual development is performed according to the software requirement specification and the wireframes & guidelines established in the design phase. If it wasn\u2019t done at the requirement analysis phase, the entire development process starts with translating the outcomes of both previous stages into an initial set of assignments. Then, the project manager assigns due dates and work schedules for transparency. As the development proceeds, these assignments may change, as the product is delivered according to current business goals or user feedback.<\/p>\n

The team rarely uses just one programming language. Most often, it\u2019s a group of software engineers with various skills and experience (a cross-functional team) using a number of programming tools dedicated for delivering specific results. This approach helps to produce high-quality software that meets all business requirements. On top of that, software houses have a set of their own guidelines, standards, and tools to create software. The development team is also supported by tech leaders, project managers, and other roles that help with any bumps in the road.<\/p>\n

<\/span>4. Software Testing Phase<\/h3>\n

The code is released into a testing environment. The quality assurance team takes over to\u00a0look for bugs, omissions, and other red flags inside the software<\/strong>. Once again, they\u00a0check all features against the customer\u2019s expectations<\/strong>\u00a0and verify the software requirement specification.<\/p>\n

Bugs and defects are a normal part of each development process, so you shouldn\u2019t be alarmed by their presence. The software testing phase is designed to provide the highest possible quality in all fields: that\u2019s why the team takes many different user scenarios under consideration and meticulously checks for all options possible. During this SDLC process, the code will probably go back and forth between the developers and QAs until it\u2019s pixel-perfect, stable, and in line with the business requirements. If it\u2019s meant to be combined with third-party software products, the quality assurance team will check for that as well.<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n
\n \"SoftwareDevelopmentLifecycle_stages1-1536x1024\"<\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

The process of software testing involves all sorts of different tests, both automated and manual, like penetration tests, end-to-end tests, validation tests, and more.<\/p>\n

Depending on the chosen SDLC model, the testing phase may occur all at once, after delivering the entire code, or interchangeably, in little increments, as more and more features are added to the software. Agile methodologies will lean towards testing during each sprint or release \u2013 more on that below.<\/p>\n

<\/span>5. Software Deployment (Implementation) Phase<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s time to pop that champagne \u2013 the code now meets the pre-agreed software specifications! A completely developed product is\u00a0ready for release to the market<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0deployed to the production environment<\/strong>. Larger products will require integrating with pre-existing systems. Developers will take one final look at the implemented system, and may work together with QAs and content writers to produce detailed documentation for it.<\/p>\n

This stage also involves\u00a0arranging an infrastructure that\u2019ll support the new product<\/strong>, establishing the server and hosting provider, and creating a strategy for future deployments with product updates.<\/p>\n

<\/span>6. Operations & Maintenance Phase<\/h3>\n

The system development process is never finished. With time, unexpected bugs can be detected, upgrades may be needed, and feature enhancements might be in order. As the product is now live, the team may observe performance issues or room for improvement.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s wise to\u00a0monitor and review the network performance, environment\u2019s stability, and the product\u2019s behavior<\/strong>\u00a0after the release. As the product is moved to the final environment and tested by end-users, it needs to remain stable and fast-running. Taking this step leads to faster problem-solving and issue management in case of any changes or critical issues.<\/p>\n

The maintenance phase is crucial to meet the ever-changing business requirements, performance standards, and user expectations. It can involve extra development work or code alterations, as well as QA input.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Other Phases<\/h3>\n

Like I said at the beginning of this section, it\u2019s impossible to pinpoint exactly one \u2018proper\u2019 process of software development life cycle. SDLC is a guide, and depending on the project\u2019s specification, scope, and software organization, the software development company may omit some of the phases, merge, or split them into smaller sections as needed. For example, the analysis phase may be divided into business, technical, and other aspects.<\/p>\n

In some SDLC process models, like the Agile method, the phases like development and software testing will concur to ensure rapid application development. In others, like the waterfall model, they\u2019ll happen one after another, linearly.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Software Development Process: The Reality<\/h2>\n

Still thinking of that roadmap comparison from the section above and wondering how this checks out if there are so many variants? You should know that\u00a0SDLC is not a plan<\/strong>. It\u2019s a tool that you can adjust to your current needs. A traditional perception of planning is rather stiff and leaves no wiggle room, with steps carefully taken one after the other. Most software development methodologies stay away from that concept, as it can be quite binding and unfruitful.<\/p>\n

In the next part of this article, we\u2019ll cover the most popular SDLC models and methodologies and explain the core differences between them.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Software Development Lifecycle Models<\/h2>\n

The number of methods is nearly infinite when it comes to the models of software development life cycle. SDLC methodology allows for a lot of flexibility, and with new ideas and methods of software development, the struggle with choosing the right provider is real.<\/p>\n

In this article, I\u2019ll describe these software application development methods that you\u2019ll most likely stumble across when searching for the company to build your product.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Waterfall Life Cycle Model<\/h3>\n

Perhaps the earliest of all SDLC models, the waterfall model uses all standard phases of software development,\u00a0putting an emphasis on the planning stage and detailed documentation<\/strong>. Its traditional perception of product development translates to sequential phases that don\u2019t overlap. You may think of it as a \u2018production line<\/strong>\u2019 in a \u2018software development factory\u2019, where a part of the product is constructed and then passed on.<\/p>\n

This model is easy to understand, plan out, and implement, however, as each phase depends on the execution and delivery of the previous one, the entire project is likely to be overdue.<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n
\n \"SoftwareDevelopmentLifecycle_Waterfall-1536x1067\"<\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

In the waterfall model, the progress flows in one direction and once you put it in motion, there\u2019s a little chance of changing anything as you discover new requirements or constraints to the product. The decision was already made, and the shift will result in missed cost estimates and a ton of work going to waste.<\/p>\n

On top of these risks, a significant drawback of the waterfall model is the fact that the end user won\u2019t see a working product, or even a part of it, until very late in the process. This, combined with the high chance of missed deadlines and a long time passing between feasibility analysis and product release (eight to nine months in most scenarios<\/a>), may result in a software that\u2019s already obsolete when made available to the wide public.<\/p>\n

Currently, software houses tend to use modified versions of this methodology, like Sashimi (Waterfall with Overlapping Phases) or Waterfall with Risk Reduction to minimize these uncertainties. Still, these models don\u2019t answer many struggles of modern software development.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Iterative Model<\/h3>\n

Contrary to the above, there\u2019s not as much emphasis put on preliminary planning in this model of software development life cycle. The SDLC model called Iterative involves\u00a0breaking a product down into small chunks (iterations)<\/strong>\u00a0according to the current state of knowledge about the project. All of them go through the standard phases of software development (planning, design phase, software testing, and so on) quickly and are immediately deployed for transparent, tangible results.<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n
\n \"SoftwareDevelopmentLifecycle_Iterative-1536x1067\"<\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

This way, users and clients can pin down the sections that need improvement, and send the product back for the next iteration of development, reducing costs. As the project progresses and more data is discovered, the planning also adjusts to meet new challenges and constraints, working in an iterative manner as well. The iterative SDLC model allows for slight changes to be made during the development, resulting in better market adjustment.\u00a0Rapid prototyping can enhance client engagement and the feedback process<\/strong>. However, never-ending upgrades to the basic product can eat up resources and lead to out-of-scope software. This can be easily avoided by keeping your roadmap in mind.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Software Prototype Model<\/h3>\n

Not to be mixed with the iterative model, the software prototype involves\u00a0fast prototyping of products that don\u2019t have defined requirements<\/strong>. This variant of the software development lifecycle relies heavily on user feedback, as it pretty much construes the scope and details of the project. Therefore, it\u2019s great for high-risk software industry projects with changing business requirements. What\u2019s more, it can lead to huge budget savings, as you invest fewer resources and flaws are easy to locate and fix at an early stage.<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n
\n \"SoftwareDevelopmentLifecycle_SoftwarePrototype-1536x1041\"<\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Software Prototype model is often subdivided into three types:<\/p>\n